Whether tomato basil, black bean or gumbo, participants at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia’s 16th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon got their fill of soups and a unique bowl to take home to support a good cause.

The luncheon, held Wednesday at The Classic Center, is just part the food bank’s efforts to end hunger in the region. And for people like Donna Pahl, the event was a way to pay it forward.

Pahl, who works as the Athens Regional Foundation coordinator, said it was soon after the 9-11 attacks that she and her husband decided to move south from Baltimore. One of the first events Pahl attended upon relocating to Athens was a benefit for the food bank.

“I was impressed with what they did and what they do. About six of us came out to support the event today and the hardest part about being here is trying to pick out the bowl,” she said. “They are all so gorgeous.

“To me, this is just an awesome event. I don’t have a lot of money, but this is an event I can support.”

Pahl grew up in north Georgia one of six children to a Methodist minister and circuit writer.

“Of course he didn’t get a lot of money, but I know how donations of food helped us and I know how donations of food are so necessary in today’s society,” Pahl said. “I see the waste we have with food. I cringe sometimes when I think of the food that is thrown away. ... I was helped and hopefully now I can help (others).”

About 350 people attended the event. After picking out a hand-made ceramic bowl on arrival, guests then choose from nine different soups along with sandwiches and cookies all provided by area restaurants.

“The empty bowl is to represent how many empty bowls there are across our area,” said food bank volunteer coordinator Jim Pope. “Hunger is an issue in all of northeast Georgia and Clarke County is definitely affected.

“We distributed 13.1 million pounds of food last year and it needs to be up around 18 million pounds to adequately serve the needs of the people and alleviate the need.”

Pope said at least 20 people from Epting Events in Athens along with half-a-dozen others volunteered at this year’s luncheon.